Midwives, Mothers and Families: Partners for Life
Statement from the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) on the International Day of the Midwife 2017
FIGO is the only organisation that brings together professional societies of obstetricians and gynecologists on a global basis, with Member Societies in 130 countries/territories.
It believes that the International Day of the Midwife’s 2017 theme - ‘Midwives, Mothers and Families: Partners for Life!’ - perfectly encapsulates the collaborative, nurturing spirit of their work, working as they do not only with mothers, but also with their partners and extended families, helping to ensure a safe and memorable birthing experience for all.
A strong, trusted partnership with mothers and families enables midwives not only to provide support before, during and after birth, but also to offer invaluable general guidance on reproductive health matters, family planning, immunisations, breastfeeding and newborn care.
The new Sustainable Development Goal No 3: ‘Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages’, incorporates important subgoals which include reducing global maternal mortality and ending preventable deaths of newborns and children under five years of age.
Midwives can help to achieve these important goals - working in partnership with mothers and families, and also with obstetricians, gynecologists and other healthcare professionals - by putting the highest quality care of women and newborns at the heart of their work.
Sources/resources
http://internationalmidwives.org/events/idotm/idm-2017